What is the definition of an excavation?

The definition of excavation primarily refers to a man-made cut or cavity in the earth's surface. This definition encompasses various activities such as digging, hollowing out, or removing earth materials for construction, land development, or archaeological purposes. Excavation is not just about the physical act of digging; it also involves the creation of a space where there was none, typically for foundations, landscaping, or infrastructure projects, rather than being limited to a particular type of soil, digging technique, or measurement of depth. Understanding this definition is crucial for professionals in the field, as it lays the foundation for safe and effective excavation practices while ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing environmental impacts.